Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-10-01
Fred MAYS --latest ROW.

That inpefiurbable man about town
Fred May, . son of Dr.. May, of Washington,
has had about as close call in one of bis
numerous escapades in New York. as he is
ever likely to have again and get clear with
his life. The row was in Valkenburgh's h's
saloon, next door to the Hoffman House,
and the principals were Fred May and Mike
Duffy. May is man of stalwart build,
powerful physique, aud equable manners.
He is man of the world in every senge-
has hosts of friends and is unquestionably O.
man of high personal courage. His name
has been familiar all over America ever
since his duel with James Gordon Bennett,
and though ho never seeks uotorioty he is
constantly figuring in the small talk of the
tcwu. Nike Duffy is regarded as the most
dangerous man in New Orleans He is
about 33 gears old, OF erect carriage and
handsome presence. tTe dresses faultlessly,
is slim, dignifed, and qniet. He is typi-
ca; gambler, cold, calm, resoiute and danger
Gus. He sat in Valkenburgh's saloon st g
very early hour yesterday morning with
several friends, when Fred May walked in,
Joined the group and was introduced to the
Southern gambler. After talking awhile
the men iell to trying different feats of
strength, such rs putting down arms, twist
ing coins, lifting chairs and the like. II all
these contests Mays tremendous muscles
placed him ahead Of The others. Duffy sat
and smoked as he watched these amuse-
men;s, and finally somebody mentioned the
name OF Mrs Langtry, when tbe crowd fell to
Jersey Lily. After they had
talked a few minutes May dropping his fist
on the table, said sharply, staring at Duffy,
who happened to bo speaking at the time,
~ don't caro- TO have that lady discussed
here"
Duffy looked across the table at May a
moment anG then said: "Mrs. Langtry is a
public character; she advertises herself as
such; forces herself down the public's throat,
and as such any man has the right to dis
cuss her III public wherever and whenever
he plcases."
No man can do it here" said May saw
agely.
"Oh, yes he cap," drawled the Southern
er quietly, 81 can, and l will. [ have
good mind to send around TO her house now
and see if she wont GO out to supper with
me-" Duffy leaned forward with his elbows
on the tabie and stared directly into the
eyes of May, and both men sat looking at
each other. There was moments silence,
and then May said, tauntingly, "Oh, DO you
won't"
"Yes, will. said the other.
you ara q liarl" shouted the New
Yorker
The men spreng TO their feet, and Sergt.
Hickey threw himself on May, who jumped
toward Duffy. Capt. Morgan, who was also
in the group, took Duffys arm and attempt
cd 10 draw him away Duffy shook him
loose, and walked up in front of May, who
lowered above him, and said TO the men
vino were holding May back: "Let go of
the big stuff. He is rank coward and
liar. He is afraid you will let him go, and
the whole thing is bluff. If you take your
hands off him he won't come near me-" He
stood within half a foot of Mays face and
taunted him in the quietest manner in the
world. Men who knew Duffy made up
their minds that the jig was up with May.
Tor there is no question about the tactics of
man who has made the reputation that
Duffy has with the revolver. The others
forced May toward the door, while Duffy
walked slowly after him, taunting and in-
sulting him SIS he went. Finally the men
were hurried apart and taken away by their
friends, and one Of the typical midnight
rows of New York came to an end without
slaughter but at least one man in the group
ran bigger risk than he has ever run be-
fore, though it is doubtful if he knew it at
the time.
Mr.. Mays chances of getting winged seem
to be Improving g.-NeO York Sun.